ON-LINE REGISTRATION -A new page has been added to the council website for on-line registration. Check it out!

Events, Activities, and Information

New information in this section is indicated by this font color.

GENERAL SCOUTING

Outstanding Eagle Scout Award

The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) is a prestigious recognition granted by the local council’s NESA committee to Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level. Unlike the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, which is a national award, the NOESA recognizes Eagle Scouts whose efforts have made a positive impact closer to home.

The Greater Alabama Council, NESA committee is accepting nominations for the NOESA through Friday January 24, 2014. We encourage you to honor a local Eagle Scout with your nomination.

The Greater Alabama Council, National Eagle Scout Association committee is accepting applications for the 2013 Eagle Scout project of the year through Friday January 24, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. Last year, Eagle Scout Eli LeCriox from the Westmoreland District was selected as our local Eagle Scout project of the year, and he went on to receive the National BSA Eagle Scout project of the year and a college scholarship! Don't miss this opportunity to showcase how you serve your community!

CIRCUS TICKETS - See the Greatest Show on Earth and help the Greater Alabama Council. Special ticket rate for Scouts and Scouters. CLICK HERE for more information and to place your order.

CAMP STAFF WANTED - Interviews for staff positions at Camps Comer and Sequoyah for the 2014 summer camp season will begin soon. If you are at least 15 years of age and a Star Scout (if registered as a Boy Scout) and want a great summer experience, fill out and return the camp staff application.

CAMP JACKSON BIKE PUMP TRACK - Learn more about this new program feature at Camp Jackson. Click here for a Scoutmaster Guide to the Pump Track.

SCOUTING REPORT TO THE STATE - Tuesday, February 4th. CLICK HERE for more information.

2014 SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORS NAMED - The Greater Alabama Council is pleased to announce the Summer Camp Directors for the 2014 camp season will be Dr. Rob Carter for Camp Sequoyah and Seth Hill for Camp Comer. Rob has served as Camp Director at Sequoyah since 2004. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow and has worked at several camps throughout the Southeast. He is affiliated with Troop 19 in Jacksonville where he is a professor at Jacksonville State University. Seth is also an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. He has worked at Camp Comer in different capacities for several years since 1996. A resident of Gadsden, he is the Training Advisor for Area 9 for the Order of the Arrow and is self-employed. Applications for 2014 Summer Camp are being accepted now. To reserve your campsite or for more information call the Council Office at 205-970-0251 or visit www.1bsa.org.

STATE PARKS AND TOUR PLANS -

While Tour Plans are not required traveling within the Greater Alabama Council, they are required when visiting an Alabama State Park to qualify for the reduced entry fee. Please have a completed and approved form ready upon arrival. The park may not grant the discounted rate if you do not have the proper paperwork. This is a state park policy, not a BSA or GAC policy.

FACEBOOK PRIVACY POLICY CHANGE - Facebook has changed their privacy policy for users age 13-17. For a summary of the changes, click here.

STEM COMMITTEE WANTS YOU! - The GAC STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Committee is looking for volunteers to join the committee to promote this initiative. The committee will also promote the NOVA and SUPERNOVA awards, as well as the STEM program in Cub and Boy Scouting and Venturing. For more information or to become a member of the committee please contact the Clayton Scout Service Center at 205-970-0251.

Do you love a particular GAC camp? Do you have a special skill or craft or just want to volunteer to help have the best facilities for our youth? The Council's Properties Committee is looking for volunteers to serve on the Camp Volunteer Service Corps that can help work at camps to assist in doing work to assist the Rangers and respective Camp Committees. Tasks range from "just helping" to skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical and masonry.

If you are interested in being considered to serve on the Camp Volunteer Service Corps, please complete the attached application and submit it Jeff Brasher at jbrasher@1bsa.org or faxing it to 205-970-0349. It will then be submitted to the Properties Committee and Camp Committee for approval.

SCOUT NIGHT WITH THE HUNTSVILLE HAVOC: Our remaining Scout Night game is Saturday, January 11th at 7:30pm. We are offering discounted tickets to Boy Scouts and their families for this game. For just $10 per ticket, Boy Scouts and their families can enjoy a fun night with the Havoc. On our video board, we will recognize each Troop or Pack that comes to the game. We encourage every Scout to attend dressed in their uniforms as well. Also, we have designed brand new Scout Night patches for this season. They will be available to purchase for $1 each. Tickets go on sale Monday, October 14th. To order, call (256) 518-6160 or (256) 518-6163.

MEMBERSHIP FEE INCREASE - The National BSA membership fee for youth and adults will increase to $24 per year effective January 1st, 2014. For more information from the Chief Scout Executive, click here.

PRE-PAID SCOUT CARD - A BSA pre-paid Scout card is now available from Discover. Click here for more information.

VEHICLE FOR SALE - The GAC has a 1985 Chevrolet P30 delivery truck for sale. This vehicle has a diesel engine and it has 200,000 miles and will be sold as is, less removal of some BSA graphics. It is in great condition and and has restored both inside and out. Make your best offer. Contact Jeff Brasher at jbrasher@1bsa.org for more information or to submit your bid.

Race At Camp Sequoyah Coming Soon!

Come join us on February 8, 2014 at 8:00 a.m. for the 1st

Camp Sequoyah, located on Hwy 431 in Delta, AL. This Boy Scout summer camp located just outside of Oxford,

AL will be the backdrop of three great races sure to meet everyone’s ability level. Running through the camp on dirt, gravel, and sand surfaces, through the campsites, by the lake, and through the trails, this is sure to be a great running experience. Packet Pick up at the Opportunity Center in Anniston, AL on February 7th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or Annual Scout Strong Running event at the beautiful race day at Camp Sequoyah from 6:00 a.m. until 7:30 a.m.

Toll Free: 1-877-204-3718Direct Dial*: 1-303-223-9908*We recommend the direct dial number be used if you or your participant is calling in from a mobile phone.

Passcode: 6534430

TRAINING

BOY SCOUT ADULT LEADER TRAININGThe next SMLST – Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training Class for the Vulcan District will be offered Saturday, February 15th, at Tannehill State Park, in conjunction with the Vulcan District Camporee.

The next IOLS – Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills for the Vulcan District, will be offered the weekend of February 28-March 2 at Camp Tekawitha.

Wood Badge is Scouting's premier training course for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing Leaders, as well as Council and District leaders. The primary purpose of Wood Badge is to strengthen Scouting in packs, troops, crews, districts, and the council.

Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership program and offers a common award for adult leaders in the programs of Scout associations throughout the world. Wood Badge courses aim to make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond and commitment to the Scout movement. Courses generally have a combined classroom and practical outdoors-based phase followed by a Wood Badge ticket, also known as the project phase. By "working the ticket", participants put their newly gained experience into practice to attain ticket goals aiding the Scouting movement.

On completion of the course and their five ticket goals, participants are awarded the Wood Badge beads to recognize their significant achievement in leadership and direct service to young people. The Wood Badge award consists of a pair of small wooden beads, one on each end of a leather thong, a taupe neckerchief bearing a tartan patch of the Maclaren clan (honoring William De Bois Maclaren, who donated the funding to purchase Gilwell Park in 1919), and a braided leather woggle (neckerchief slide). These three symbols denote the membership of Gilwell Troop 1, a world-wide assembly of all past and present Wood Badge recipients.

NRA INSTRUCTOR TRAINING: Their will be two chances coming up to be NRA Instructor Certified for various firearms and course on Friday, January 24th, 2014 to Sunday, January 26th, 2014 and Friday, March 28th, 2014 to Sunday, March 30th, 2014 at the Hugh M. Comer Scout Reservation, 16490 County Road 89, Mentone AL 35984. Only Online Registration will be available.

The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is the only national volunteer training center for the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1950, PTC has provided a unique environment for training volunteer and professional leaders, and a fun family program for every member of the family. Each year, more than 6,000 Scouters and family members attend PTC.

Each conference features the latest tools and techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. All registered Scouters are invited to attend training center courses.

Here are a list of the courses being offered by the Philmont Training Center for summer/fall of 2014. Click here.

If you are interested in attending the Philmont Training Center for 2014 please contact Cindy Perry at cindyperry4711@gmail.com or Clay Pruitt at cpruitt@1bsa.org by Tuesday, Sept. 24th to let us know if your interested in attending these incredible courses.

What is NYLT? National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is a six-day outdoor training coursefor senior youth leaders in the Boy Scouting or the Venturing programs. Three different NYLTSessions are being offered by the Greater Alabama Council in 2014: the Winter NYLT Course, theSpring NYLT Course and the Summer NYLT Course. The Winter Course will be conducted overtwo three day weekends, 18-20 January 2014 & 14-17 February 2014. The Spring and Summer NYLT Courses will be conducted as a week long course and will be offered on 1 – 7 June 2014 or 6-12 July 2014. NYLT augments the training received from Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) or the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC). NYLT focuses on the skills needed by Senior Patrol Leaders, Patrol Leaders, Presidents and Boatswains. The course is led by a volunteer staff of youth and adults experienced in training youth leaders.

WHAT: The Wilderness and Remote First Aid class is a 16 hour course based on the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine Guideline. This course certification is good for 2 years.

WHERE: Riverchase United Methodist Church in Hoover AL & Oak Mountain State Park

WHEN: CPR/AED: Friday January 10 2014 5pm – 9pm Riverchase Room

WFA: Saturday January 11, 2014, 7:00am-7:00pm Riverchase Room Sunday January 12, 2014, 7:00am – 12:30pm Oak Mountain State Park.WHY: This course is required for any high adventure activity by the BSA. It is essential for troops who are involved in activities where you are further than 1 hour away from EMS. It also meets one of the requirements for the Ranger Award in the Venturing Program.

WHO: This course is open to anyone aged 14 and over.

PRE-REQUISITES - Current certification in adult CPR/AED is required. A separate CPR/AED class will be held on Friday, Jan. 10th for those NOT HOLDING current certification. CPR/AED certification class cost is $15.00. If you are currently certified in CPR/AED, you must send a copy of you CPR card prior to attending the WFA class. If you need certification please contact the course coordinator, Angie Pettigrew.

DETAILS – Angie Pettigrew is the Wilderness First Aid Instructor as well as an active ASM for Troop 367. She as well as others who assist in teaching the course has attended all three High Adventure Camp in the past 2 years. This course will follow the BSA guidelines which were published in 2009. The CPR and WFA classes will be taught at the Riverchase United Methodist Church, Riverchase Room in Hoover AL on Saturday and at Oak Mountain State Park on Sunday.

COURSE – The WFA course fee is $125.00, which includes Red Cross course materials as well as continental breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday. The class has limited size and will be filled on a first come basis. After receiving your information and payment, you will be pre-registered for the course and fully registered when the class reaches 30 participants. Your payment will be refunded if the class doesn’t reach 30 participants. The course is nonrefundable 30 days prior to training. You may substitute someone else in your place if you can’t attend. Please make your check Angie Pettigrew and mail it to:

BALOO TRAINING - BALOO is Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. It is required for every pack to have at least Two (2) adults trained in BALOO to take the Pack Camping. Do Not Miss this Opportunity to get trained.

SHOOTING SPORTS TRAINING - There will be a Shooting Sports Training class at Jefferson State Community College on February 1, 2014 at 8:00 in the Fitzgerald Student Center. The class will be a full day class and will be in room BDH-106 during the Three Rivers Merit Badge Day 2014. Mike Read is the instructor and the nominal fee can be paid at the registration desk.

Please contact me jonryan62@charter.net if you have someone who needs this training. There is a limit of 20 participants, so get your reservations in early.

SUMMER CAMP 2014 - Campsites are filling quickly for next summer. Weeks 1 and 2 at Comer are full and weeks 1 and 3 at Sequoyah are almost full. Other weeks are also approaching capacity. Click herefor a reservation form if your troop has not yet signed-up! (Our out-of-council guests, please click here for your reservation form.)

PHILMONT 2014 CAMPERSHIPS - The Greater Alabama Council has received an allocation from the Waite Phillips Campership Fund for the 2014 Philmont summer season. CLICK HERE for more information.

SCUBA ADVENTURE AVAILABLE - There are several youth and adult openings for a SCUBA Diving Adventure June 4-11, 2014 at Sea Base. This adventure is for qualified divers, and consists of 10 day and one night dive at various locations in the Florida Keys, with food and lodging at the Sea Base. The cost is approximately $950 per person (plus transportation). Youth participants must be at least 14 years of age, and all participants must meet the diving health standards in Part D of the BSA Health Form. If interested, contact Brian Godsy at bgodsy@bellsouth.net.

EAGLE SERVICE PROJECTS - There are still a few $100.00 Lowe's Eagle Scout Grants available for Scouts working on their Eagle Scout service projects. These grants are available for purchasing materials that may be needed in completing the projects and must be used prior to December 31, 2014. For more information, click here. CLICK HERE for more information.

CHANGES TO EAGLE-REQUIRED MERIT BADGE LIST -- Effective January 1st 2014, Cooking will be added to the list of merit badges required for Eagle. A new merit badge, Sustainability, will be introduced in 2013, and Scouts will have the option of earning either Environmental Science or Sustainability for Eagle. Click here for more information.

CAMP JACK WRIGHT - There will be a series of programs and speakers at Camp Jack Wright this fall. For more information, click here.

Change in High Adventure Camps Wilderness First Aid Policy! - If you are planning on attending any of the BSA high adventure bases (Philmont, Northern Tier, Sea Base or The Summit) for the summer of 2014 please note that now you must have at least 2 participants that are Wilderness First Aid certified. Please review the training column on the Digital Eagle or visit the Training Calendar on the 1bsa.orgwebsite to see when the next training will be available.

VENTURING/EXPLORING

VENTURING OFFICERS ASSOCIATION - Venturing Officers Association of Greater Alabama meets once/month. Every Crew in the Council should be represented at these meetings. If the President of your Crew cannot attend she/he should send a representative. If unable to make the drive, please let us know and we can include you through skype, or facetime. We have some great ideas for council wide events, but need your ideas to make them even better! Please call Caroline Dewberry at 256.714.1045 for more information.

PHILMONT 2014 CAMPERSHIPS - The Greater Alabama Council has received an allocation from the Waite Phillips Campership Fund for the 2014 Philmont summer season. CLICK HERE for more information.

SCUBA ADVENTURE AVAILABLE - There are several youth and adult openings for a SCUBA Diving Adventure June 4-11, 2014 at Sea Base. This advenuture is for qualified divers, and consists of 10 day and one night dive at various locations in the Florida Keys, with food and lodging at the Sea Base. The cost is approximately $950 per person (plus transportation). Youth participants must be at least 14 years of age, and all participants must meet the diving health standards in Part D of the BSA Health Form. If interested, contact Brian Godsy at bgodsy@bellsouth.net.

- **Jan 11: Lodge Training Summit and Winter Banquet** Join us for a full day of training and fellowship, then stay for our popular Winter Banquet. Learn about multiple aspects of the Lodge and its operation, meet your Lodge leadership, and find a place to be more involved in the Lodge. Coosa Lodge exists to serve the Greater Alabama Council, but we can't do it without you! We'll be at "Top of the Town" in Cullman, Alabama (316 2nd St SW; above Cullman Savings Bank). The cost is $10 for dues-paid members. More info here:http://coosa50.org/2013/12/january-11th-is-lodge-training-summit-winter-banquet

- **Feb 1: Hawk Day at Camp Tranquility** Get some dirt under your fingernails and join us for a day of service as we work to improve the historic Camp Tranquility at Oak Mountain State Park. Watchcoosa50.org for more details.

- **Feb 7-9: Ceremonies Retreat at Camp Westmoreland** Interested in starting or joining a ceremonies team? Here's your chance! The best of the best from Coosa Lodge will spend their weekend teaching an intense, weekend-long ceremonies workshop on everything from starting the team and building regalia to memorizing scripts and mastering your performance. Watch coosa50.org for more details.

- **Mar 21-23: Spring Pow-wow at Camp Comer** Our incredibly popular Spring Pow-wow will be returning for 2014. We'll open our annual spring fellowship to all members of the Council to learn more about the OA, participate in some traditional Native American drumming and dancing, and take part in what is arguably one of the best Webelos crossover ceremonies in the country. Watch coosa50.orgfor more details.

- **Apr 25-27: SR-9 Conclave at Moundville** Join hundreds of Arrowmen from nearly a dozen lodges across Alabama and Georgia as they participating in training and competition to strengthen each other and determine which lodge is the best. We'll be camping at the historic Moundville Archaeological Park in Moundville, Alabama (just south of Tuscaloosa). Watch coosa50.org for full details.

The time for unit elections is coming up quickly! Many units hold their elections between February and April so their candidates can participate in the May Ordeal or be called out at Summer Camp. If your unit would like to hold an Order of the Arrow election, we'll be more than happy to send a trained, friendly election team to you to conduct the election and process the paperwork. Click here to request an election team: https://secure.jotformpro.com/form/20665476209963

**COOSA LODGE HISTORY PROJECT**

We're launching our history project for the Order of the Arrow centennial celebration next year, and we need you're help! Project adviser Chris Brightwell is gearing up to film a documentary and pen an extensive historical reference that spans the entire 85 years of the the Order's service to Scouting in North Alabama. It'll reach back to the founding of Cherokee Fifty in 1930, advance through the birth of Achunanchi and Kaskanampo lodges, celebrate the unification of those lodges in to Coosa Lodge, and maybe try to paint a picture of what our future might look like.

We're planning to take 200 Coosa Lodge members to the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference to celebrate the Order's centennial, meet Arrowmen from throughout the Order, learn the most effective ways to improve our lodge program and maximize its impact, and much, much more. We'll have more info on this as the year progresses, but you should just go ahead and plan to be with usAugust 3-8, 2015 at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Watch coosa50.org for more details.

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ARROWHEADRecharters Due December 31, 2013Recharters were due for Units in Morgan and Limestone counties on December 31, 2013. We know it is difficult to get them in with the holidays but now is the time. If you have questions, need help, or are ready to turn it in please contact your Unit Commissioner, District Commissioner Henry Gilson at gilson.henry@yahoo.com, or District Director Rich Hayes at rich.hayes@scouting.org. Cullman Units your recharters are due January 31, 2014.Friends of Scouting Presentations:It is time once again for Friends of Scouting. Please send information on your Blue & Gold, next Court of Honor, or heavily attended event in your unit so we can schedule a presenter for you. Send the following details to Rich Hayes at rich.hayes@scouting.org:Unit:Date:Time:Location:Point of Contact (name, phone, email):Possible alternative date:

Arrowhead District Awards Banquet The Arrowhead District Awards Banquet will be held at the First United Methodist Church located at 208 Hobbs St. W in Athens, AL at 6:30 pm on Thursday, January 30, 2014. The event will be held at the Beasley Center located behind the church across Bryan Street.Please take the time to recognize your adult leaders. Go to the file section of the Arrowhead Yahoo! Website and find the file named Leader Awards – Oct 2013.pdf posted by gilson.henry. This file will explain each of the awards, eligibility, and provide you with the forms needed to submit an award. Please submit awards to Adam Harm atadamharm@bellsouth.net no later than January 16, 2014 so that we have time to process prior to the event. Awards submitted after this date may not be ready for the event.RSVPs to the District Banquet are due to Adam atadmharm@bellsouth.net or 256-642-8740 no later than January 23, 2014.”Arrowhead District Pinewood Derby: April 12

The Arrowhead District Pinewood Derby will be held on April 12th at Isom’s Chapel UMC located at 16230 Mooresville Road, Athens, AL. Registration will begin at 8:00 am with the races starting at 10:00 am. The registration fee is $5 per car, and concessions will be provided by Troop 236. Rules will be published via the Arrowhead District Yahoo! website.New this year – The Cubmaster’s Cup. Cubmasters, do you have “mad” Pinewood Derby skills? Now you can show them off at the Arrowhead District’s first annual Cubmaster’s Cup race. The race follows the same rules as the Scouts and will take place following the main event. The winner will receive the coveted Cubmaster’s Cup and bragging rights until next year. Which Cubmaster has the “right stuff” to win??? We shall see.Spring Camporee: April 25-27

The Spring Camporee will be held April 25-27. More information will be published soon. Please hold the dates for the event in your Troop calendars.COMMISSIONERS NEEDED!Looking for unit commissioners- If you are interested in getting involved on the District level, or becoming a unit commissioner we are always looking for more help, there is a place for YOU, so please contact me.

January 9, 2014BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETING - 6:30pm - 7:00pmat Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.1101 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW Birmingham, Alabama 35211Come help us plan activities that your Scouts and boys are interested in. The District Committee Meeting and Parent’s Night is held every 1stThursday of the month.

January 9, 2014BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT PARENT'S NIGHT (ROUNDTABLE) -7:00pm - 8:00pm at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church Parents and leaders will receive training and valuable information on scouting event. Please invite parents and leaders to learn what fun is going on in the Birmingham District.

ACTIVITIES

February 2-8, 2014Scouting Anniversary Week

Lord Robert Baden-Powell founded the Boy Scouts in 1907. An American, William D. Boyce became lost in the fog in London, and was helped by a young boy to find his way. When Boyce offered the boy a tip, the boy declined, saying that it was his duty as a Boy Scout to help others. Boyce was so impressed by the boy's character that he met with Baden-Powell to discuss bringing the Scouts to the United States. Boyce was helped by Ernest Thompson Seton, Daniel Carter Beard and James E. West, and the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated in Washington, D.C., February 8, 1910.

In order to commemorate these great moments and the founding of the Boy Scouts of America, the Birmingham District will hold Scouting Anniversary Week on February 2-8, 2014. Packs, Troops, and Districts all decide which events they will plan for this special week. If you have any questions email Anthony @ aedwards@1bsa.org.

Here are some ideas so that you can put together an awesome celebration:

Conduct a special service project during Scouting Anniversary Week to demonstrate both pride in America and pride in community for your chartered partner organization or school as a way of thanking them for their support of Scouting.

Hold a special flag-raising ceremony at a high-profile location in the community or school. Make a special presentation to your school principal, local school board, mayor, or city council.

Scout Sunday: Make public appearances at worship services onFebruary 2, 2014. As your charter organization or one located within a mile of your school if you can participate in their worship ceremony by serving as ushers or simply wearing the uniform to the service.

Birmingham District is schedule to wear your scout uniform on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at your school and recruit a friend to join scouting and earn a recruiters patch.

2014 Scouting Report to the StateFebruary 4, 20149:00am-9:00am Scouts and adults may visit their legislator in their office1:00pm – Scouts will present the colors in the House11:30am – 1:00pm For those who would like to attend a special luncheon honoring the legislature

The Boy Scout Councils of Alabama will be visiting our state capital onTuesday, February 4th. While in Montgomery Scouts, leaders, board members and parents will meet with elected officials and share the good news about Scouting in Alabama and how they make a positive difference in the lives of youth. We want you to join us on this special day. You must provide your own transportation, either individually or group. Patches limited to the first 300 participates. You may also register online at www.1bsa.org.

UAB vs. Louisiana Tech BasketballMarch 2, 2014Beginning at 3:00pmLocation: Bartow ArenaPlease contact Heather Mayfield at (205) 969-4255 orhmayfield@1bsa.org to purchase your regularly priced $15 for $8 before February 16, 2014. Tickets will only be available at this price through Heather Mayfield and until the deadline.

Birmingham District Pinewood Derby March 8, 2014Location: TBDWeigh-in at 9:00amRace begins at 10:00am

Every year Birmingham Cub Scouts and adult partners team up to participate in a Pinewood Derby.A Cub Scout design, carve, paint, weigh, refine, and race their car and a bonding partnership is created.This is at the heart of the event’s success!! In addition, Cub Scouts build confidence and take pride in their own growing skills and hard work! For more information about the District Pinewood Derby please contact Anthony Edwards at aedwards@1bsa.org. So enjoy the ride!

The Harlem GlobetrottersMarch 16th, 20144:00pmPete Hannah Arena at Samford University in BirminghamTickets: $17

The Harlem Gobetrotters are making a stop near you. Special Discount for all Greater Alabama Council Scouts, Families, Volunteers and Staff! Opportunities for color guard, group photo on court, high five fan tunnel and much more!!! For more information or to order your tickets contact Jackie Bravman @ 800-641-4667 x 116 orbravman@harlemglobetrotters.com

I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and a very happy New Year. We are gearing up for 2014 in the coming weeks, and look forward to it very much. This year we will concentrate on recruiting all year long in order to offer our program to as many youth as possible. We will also be offering new and unique program opportunities.

First on the calendar is our Scout Strong Race. It is scheduled forFebruary 8th at Camp Seqouyah, and the cost for any registered scouter for any race is $10. We are going to limit the number of participants so please get your registrations in as soon as possible, the form is attached. Click Here

Also another very exciting new event is our Zombie Survival event held at Camp Sqouyah, please stay tuned for more information on this.

Rechartering process is underway, and I will be keeping you updated on our progress through the next 2 months. If you have an issues what so ever with your charter please give me a call and I will be happy to assist you with your problem. Please be sure to get these in on time, and complete.

Our Distirct American Values Dinner is set for March 8th at Shocco Springs, we will need volunteers to help us put this on and do the flag ceremony. We are very excited to have Former Governor of Alabama, Bob Riley, as our guest speaker. Please let me know if you are interested in attending or helping out.

District Pinewood Derby is set for February 22nd at Munford Rec Center, located in the old high school gym. The cost is $5 per Cub Scout. See you there and good luck to everyone in building their cars, and remember it is all about having fun.

Round Table is set for this Thursday the 9th at 7:00 p.m. at Talladega Citizen's Hospital in the board room. Please come by if you can make it, we will have a lot to cover for the coming year. We will also offer any assistance for recharters that you may need.

Thank you everyone for all you do, and I look forward to a very exciting 2014!

I hope everyone had a great holiday season with friends and family. I also hope everybody is staying warm!

I want to thank all of you for your effort to get popcorn monies turned in on time. All our unit's accounts are settled, so great job on that!

Please remember that recharters are due by the end of the month (Except for Pack 247). Remember to use the checklist included in your recharter packet to make sure you have all steps completed.

Don't forget that Roundtable is this Thursday, January 9th at 7:00PM at the Bessemer LDS Church.

We are trying to create a dynamic and useful District Webpage. Scott Edmonson has volunteered to work on the website, but he needs content. Without you, there can be no website. Please send Scott your stories, upcoming events, anything about your unit that you are proud of, nomination for Cherokee Scout of the Month, etc. (Also encourage your Scouts to write a piece for the website) to Scottatsedmonson@callidussoftware.com.

We are looking for Unit Commissioners. If you are an experienced Scouter, and can commit to visiting a unit (that is not your own) 6 times in 2014, we need you! We have many units that have new leadership or are newer units and need the services of a Unit Commissioner. Please contact me or Cyndi LaFond if you are interested.

We had many of our units participate in various Christmas Parades around the district. Included are some photos of Pack and Troop 247 at the Christmas Parade in Hueytown. If you have any pictures of your Scouts in Action for the Digital Eagle, please send them on.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and got to spend time with family throughout the Christmas season and into the new year. I'd like to thank everyone involved in Scouting for all their hard work in 2013. Let's make 2014 the Year of the Scout in the Choccolocco District.

The Wreath's Across America ceremony was a great success, despite the drizzling rain. It was an impressive and solemn ceremony which we have the tremendous honor of being a part of. Over 300 Christmas Wreaths were laid on military graves by Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from our area. See the attached photo.

The 2014 JSU Merit Badge Fair is quickly approaching. It's about three weeks away. Everyone should take advantage of this great advancement opportunity. It's a top notch merit badge fair, and it wouldn't happen without the hard work of Danette Sweet, so thank you so much Danette. Hope to see you all there. Here's a link for online registration: https://secure.jotform.com/form/12652645321

We currently are looking for a Scout Fest Sub Camp Chair, someone to help promote Scout Fest and work with Council on getting ideas and information out.

Day Camp Promotions Chair: Need a couple of people in each district to visit with Packs and help to promote Day Camp, help get fliers sent out, social media, etc. We have to get Day Camp promoted this year to make sure every possible youth gets a chance to participate!!

Activities Chair: Need organized person to keep up and organize new Activities for the District, keep everyone informed and help promote Activities in the area.

WEB CHAIR: Need someone tech savvy who can run our District Website!!!

DAY CAMP MEETING Council is Tuesday, January 7th at the Council Office 6-7:30 p.m.

ROUNDTABLE will be January 14th 6 p.m. Fort Payne Scout Hut. Gadsden Location: Gadsden First United Methodist Church 6 p.m.(May be subject to change will let you know accordingly.)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19th GADSDEN DAY CAMP MEETING: Noccalula Falls 1 p.m.Contact Jenn Newton if you can make it or have any questions 256-504-2175.

DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETING: January 23rd Collinsville Library 6 p.m.WE WILL ALSO HAVE A TRAINING FOR FAMILY FOS, anyone who is doing your FOS Presentations Needs to attend this meeting, we will go over the tools and strategies for a successful FOS.

PINEWOOD DERBY WORKSHOP: Hope you made it to the Pinewood Derby Workshop the Fort Payne Lowe's had on Saturday January 4th the next one is FEB 15th 10 a.m. FORT PAYNE LOWE's Bring your own tools.The Derby is Saturday March 15th Fort Payne Lowe's.

DISTRICT AWARDS BANQUET WILL BE HELD FEBURARY 11th WESTERN SIZZLIN IN FORT PAYNE, ALABAMA THANK YOU JEREMY AND AMY THOMAS FOR GETTING THIS RESERVED FOR US!!!

PLEASE Don't forget popcorn money if you haven't sent yours in yet, we need this in council ASAP!

Blue and Gold's and Court of Honor's I need your dates ASAP, I have a few but I need to update our chart with everyone's for the year!!Thank You for all you do!

● The SHELBY DISTRICT MERIT BADGE DAY will be held onSaturday, January 25, 2014. The Shelby Merit Badge Day class list will be posted and registration will open soon. Check www.meritbadge.infofor updates

For additional information, please contact George Smartgmsmart@bellsouth.net or Randy Thomas, thomasr@bellsouth.net.• **FAMILY FRIENDS OF SCOUTING: Leaders please contact Larry Walck, our 2014 Family Friends of Scouting Chairman, in order to schedule a Family FOS Presentation. Larry Walck,larry.a.walck@gmail.com or Cell 205-532-1568. Thank you for your help! Troops, remember that a Family FOS presentation will help lower the cost of summer camp for 2014. Sign-up early! Holiday gatherings are another great place to have an FOS presentation!

• All NEW YOUTH APPLICATIONS need to be turned in from SCHOOL NIGHT FOR SCOUTING (SNFS) and any additional recruitment!!! Please drop off all unregistered youth application to the Greater Alabama Council office or send to tgregson@1bsa.org

Welcome back from the holidays! I hope everyone had a great holiday season!

As many of you know, Anna Shavers became the District Executive for the Talakto District back in December. She graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She exhibits a passion for nonprofits and is excited to serve the youth and community for the Talakto District. You can contact her at (256) 508-5623 oranshaver@1bsa.org.

Below are a couple dates you should keep in mind for the upcoming months. First, Roundtable is Thursday, January 9th at 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Before Roundtable, we will have a Family Friends of Scouting Training session beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Also, the District Leader Banquet is this weekend on Saturday, January 11th. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the Scout Service Center. The District Leader Banquet will be held at Holy Spirit Church at 625 Airport Road, Huntsville, AL 35802.

For a full list of things happening in the Three Rivers District, please see the Calendar of Events on the district website atthreerivers.1bsa.org

January 16, 2014 – District Committee Meeting – Jeff State @ 7:00 pm

February 1, 2014 – Three Rivers Merit Badge Day at Jefferson State Community College, Carson Road Campus. Sign in begins at 8:00 am…For more information including catalog and registration form click here

February 4, 2014 – Scouting Report to the State – See 1bsa.org or more information and to register

February 28 – March 2, 2014 - Three Rivers Camporee and Webelo Crossover. See the Three Rivers Website for information and registration.

DAVID DOWD HIGH ADVENTURE FUNDApplications will be accepted until January 31, 2014, for the David Dowd III High Adventure Fund. The goal is to financially assist Boy Scouts from troops within the Birmingham Metropolitan Area to enable these scouts to have an opportunity to experience the multiple benefits of high adventure scouting at any Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”) high adventure program.To get the information and a copy of the application, CLICK HERE.

GREAT DAY OF VULCAN SERVICEOn Saturday, January 4th we had over 150 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Ventures, Scouters, Parents and other Adults turn out for the Vulcan District Service Project. We cleared and cleaned up a large stretch along the Lakeshore Trail (Greenway Walking Trail). The hours of service helped all scouts meet requirements for the Leave No Trace Award, and Boy Scouts to fulfill several rank and various merit badge awards. Boy Scouts and Ventures could also use the hours of service to meet the 50 Miler Award. Thank you to Bill Cather for Planning and coordinating this annual service day for the last four years. Put it in your calendar for Saturday, January 3, 2015!!!

BALOO TRAININGBALOO is Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. It is required for every pack to have at least Two (2) adults trained in BALOO to take the Pack Camping. Do Not Miss this Opportunity to get trained.Saturday, January 18, 2014, Shades Valley Lutheran Church, 9 am to 5 pm.http://www.vulcandistrict.com/baloo-training/

VULCAN DISTRICT ADULT LEADER RECOGNITION BANQUETUnits, make your plans now to attend the 2014 Vulcan District Adult Leader Recognition Banquet on Thursday, January 23, 2014, 7pm. This is a great way to provide recognition to your unit leaders and encourage them in the Race to Excellence for the sake of the boys in our program. This year, our banquet will be hosted by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, so click here to get more information and register: http://www.vulcandistrict.com/leader-recognition-banquet/.

DISTRICT AWARD OF MERIT AND LEADER AWARDSAlso, don't forget to submit adult leader award nomination forms: Click here for more information on leader knots that can be earned --http://www.vulcandistrict.com/adult-training/. Nomination forms must be received by January 13 for consideration for this year's awards banquet.

VULCAN DISTRICT CAMPOREEVulcan District Camporee will be February 14-16, Tannehill State Park. More information coming at Roundtable. Every Troop should plan on attending, Leader Specific Training to be offered Saturday, Youth Protection Training for all Adults Available Saturday Afternoon. Troops need to contact Webelos and invite them to join them for the overnighter at the Camporee. http://www.vulcandistrict.com/camporee/

BOY SCOUT ADULT LEADER TRAININGThe next SMLST – Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training Class for the Vulcan District will be offered Saturday, February 15th, at Tannehill State Park, in conjunction with the Vulcan District Camporee.

The next IOLS – Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, will be February 28-March 2 at Camp Tekawitha.

SCOUTING REPORT TO THE STATEFebruary 4, 2014 in Montgomery, AL Scouts and adults may visit their legislators in their offices then present the colors in the House. A special luncheon honoring the legislature will follow. Space is limited. For information and to register, go to https://1bsa.org/tyfoon/site/fckeditor/file/2014%20Scout%20Day.pdf.

RECHARTER!!All ReCharter Paperwork is Due at the Council Office by January 20, 2014. No unit should be late. Every unit should have received their Packet and completed training, if not, Contact your District Executive Michael Wells, miwells@1bsa.org. It is critical that every unit have a representative present to pick up the packet, and review the changes for 2014.

FAMILY FRIENDS OF SCOUTINGLeaders please contact Lisa Sullivan in order to schedule a Family FOS Presentation at your Blue & Gold or Court of Honor. Lisa Sullivan,mulberryscouter@yahoo.com. Thank you for your help! Troops, remember that a Family FOS presentation will help lower the cost of summer camp for 2014. Sign-up early! Holiday gatherings are another great place to have an FOS presentation!

NEW VULCAN DISTRICT WEB PAGE LAUNCHED!!!http://www.vulcandistrict.com/.Visit the Vulcan Website, take time to see all the information. We are working to continuously update information on the Vulcan District Website. Click on “Email Us” to give us feedback. Check back periodically as we work to improve our communication avenues.

VULCAN DISTRICT PARENT’S AND LEADER’S NIGHT (ROUNDTABLE)THURSDAY, FEBRUARY, 6, Canterbury United Methodist Church, Mountain Brook, Roundtable is for all adults. Who will have the strongest team at Roundtable.This is the place to be to find out what is happening, and receive training opportunities.

CHANGE IN HIGH ADVENTURE CAMPS WILDERNESS FIRST AID POLICY!If you are planning on attending any of the BSA high adventure bases (Philmont, Northern Tier, Sea Base or The Summit) for the summer of 2014 please note that now you must have at least 2 participants that are Wilderness First Aid certified. The next Training session isSaturday, January 11, go to http://vulcan.1bsa.org/event.php?cn=1394&db=1, for more information.

NEW YOUTHAll new applications need to be turned into the Scout office, or to Michael Wells as soon as you receive them, so the boys can be registered with the BSA. All new adult applications need to include the COR and Committee Chair’s Signature, and their Certification of Youth Protection Training. If you have any questions, please contact Vulcan District Executive Michael Wells at 205-540-2302, or 205-969-4269.

UNIT COMMISSIONERS NEEDEDThe Vulcan District is actively recruiting Unit Commissioners to serve Packs, Troops, and Crews. Unit Commissioners serve a maximum of three units, and provide a vital link between the units and District Services/Support. Those interested please contact Peter Bosworth at205-837-9195, or by email at pabosworth@aol.com.

JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE (JTE)This is a great tool to use in planning the year and to support your unit’s development. Use this to evaluate your program, and identify opportunities for improvement. The new 2013 Journey to Excellence scorecards for packs, troops, teams, crews, ships, posts, districts, and councils are now available online. There are also great tools to aid your program and tracking. For the latest information and tools, go towww.scouting.org/jte. and look for the box labeled “2013 Scorecards.”

VENTURING IN THE VULCAN DISTRICTThere are several opportunities for growing new units in the Vulcan District. Currently, we only have a couple of Active Venturing units. Venturing and Sea Scouting Programs, which can be all Girls, all boys, or Co-ed, ages 14 to 20 are a great opportunity to develop the Values and Leadership Skills in youth of this age. If you are not familiar with the programs, or if you know of any interested groups, or want to work with a current charter partner on starting any new units please get in touch with Michael Wells, miwells@1bsa.org.

WOOD BADGEWood Badge is Scouting's premier training course for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing Leaders, as well as council and district leaders. The primary purpose of Wood Badge is to strengthen Scouting in packs, troops, crews, districts, and the council.

Wood Badge aims to make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond and commitment to the Scout movement. Courses have a combined classroom and practical outdoors-based phase followed by a Wood Badge ticket, also known as the project phase. By "working the ticket", participants put their newly gained experience into practice to support their local units and strengthen the overall Scouting movement.

The 2014 Wood Badge course for the Greater Alabama Council is this Spring. It will be held March 14-16 at Camp Comer and April 13-15 at Camp Westmoreland. This is a Friday, Saturday, Sunday Course. To register, or to get more information on this course, go tohttps://1bsa.org/wood-badge-registration.php. For more information on Wood Badge, visit www.woodbadgealabama.com.

The SHELBY DISTRICT MERIT BADGE DAY will be held onSaturday, January 25, 2014. The Shelby Merit Badge Day class list will be posted and registration will open soon. Check www.meritbadge.infofor updates.

February 1, 2014 – THREE RIVERS MERIT BADGE DAY at Jefferson State Community College, Carson Road Campus. Sign in begins at8:00 am. For more information including catalog and registration form go to the Three Rivers Website at: http://threerivers.1bsa.org/.

UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING, Saturday, March 8, Jeff State. Check the Council Website for more information. www.1bsa.org.

!!!NEW MEETING LOCATION!!!ORDER OF THE ARROW – NUNNE HI (VULCAN) CHAPTERWe need all arrowmen to attendVulcan OA is on Facebook - “Nunne-Hi Chapter of the Coosa Lodge”Nunne Hi Chapter meetings are held the last Thursday of each month at 6:30PM at the Troop 21 Scout House, Bluff Park United Methodist Church. Both former and current arrowmen of any lodge are invited to attend.

I hope that everyone is having a great New Year so far! I and looking forward to such a great year Scouting this year and we have many programs and activities gearing up that will great for the youth that we serve.

For our Cub Packs the annual Pinewood Derby will be March 8. Our location will be announced soon as Regency Square Mall is the start of a major renovation project. Here are the details of District Pinewood Derby. Click Here

If you are looking for help with building your Pinewood Derby Cars our local Lowe's stores offer a Saturday class to help with the project. Please call the stores for more informations. Also the Scout Shop in Huntsville is offering classes to help with the cars as well. Their dates are: 1 Feb 10am-4pm and 15 Feb 10am-4pm.

If you need any help with re-charters please let me or our District Commissioner Karl Hall know. We are willing to help out in any way we can! Thank you to the units that have already turned their packets in!

Congratulations go out to out to our newest Eagle Scout for 2014, Jay Luna of Troop 284 in Florence. Congratulations Jay!

If your unit conducts any Community Service Projects or has a Special Outing or Event, please let me know andsend me your photos!

EAGLE BOARD of REVIEWS and EAGLE PROJECT REVIEWSEach Scout should email the Eagle Board at eagleboard@westmorelanddistrict.com. This email address will deliver hisRequest to several Board Members.

To schedule a Project Review or Eagle Board, the Scout should tell the Board their Name, Troop #, Email address andPhone number that they may be reached at. Also, state if it is a Project Review or Eagle Board and give a briefdescription of the proposed or approved Project including the Sponsor's Name and the physical work Location.All requests are due by the Friday (at 5:00 P.M.) prior to the firstThursday of the month (Roundtable night). A BoardMember will send the Eagle Board's Monthly Schedule out by theMonday night prior to Roundtable. The Schedule willbe sent to each Scout, his Scoutmaster, the D.E., Roundtable Chair and Eagle Board.